THREE defeats on the trot have dented Albion Sports’ hopes of challenging for promotion from the Toolstation Northern Counties East Premier Division but the blip is causing no concern within the club.

They believe there have been some exceptional circumstances and an unprecedented run of bad luck.

However, manager Kulwinder Sandhu admits there have been some bad performances too and they still have lots to learn.

Sandhu said: “We were beaten 4-1 at home by Handsworth (Parramore) and that was a fair result. They got off to a good start but we got a penalty after a handball and Alex (Cusack) scored from that. It should have given us the impetus to get back into the game but we couldn’t.

“Then we lost at Heanor Town, another club up there at the top end, and we felt robbed. We had a proper nailed-on penalty when Danny Facey was brought down in the box but nothing was given.

“We went on to lose 3-2 because they got a last-minute goal and that was controversial to say the least. The shot hit the bar and bounced near the line, the linesman didn’t give a goal but the referee – who was 30 yards away – overruled him and gave it.

“I spoke to the ref and asked him about when Danny was fouled and he said that his assistant had spoken to him and he admitted that he had made a mistake. It’s annoying and it’s too late but you have to admire a referee who is brave enough to say that.

“That’s fair enough because its human error, we all make mistakes but it hurt, especially when we felt he made a mistake with the last-minute winner.

“We have had big players missing as well, at crucial times. Matt Mathers was away on holiday and Matt Morgan at a wedding when we played Handsworth. Karl Hall and Sam Redhead have both been injured and it’s difficult replacing these players.

“Then all you want is to get them back and get another game to get the defeat out of the way but we have a free Saturday. We have no game today but have to travel to Bridlington Town for a midweek game this Wednesday!

“I wish it was easier being a football manager but then a lot of people will say that.”